Kukla's Korner Hockey

Seen, heard, not always believed: With the playoffs upon us, was it too much to expect the over-officiated National Hockey League would become watchable again? Evidently it was.
Referees have been known to swallow their whistles in postseason play, but apparently they've been told to maintain the parade to the penalty box -- or else.
Saturday's offering on NBC between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils was one long power play, which isn't what hockey was meant to be. Touch someone with your stick, and you're off for hooking. It's a joke, that's what it is, except no one is laughing other than the handful of really skilled players who know they're being protected.